Whichever variation of the Golden Rule you know, it always has the same meaning: Treat others as you would like to be treated. It’s a simple rule that nearly everyone knows, but unfortunately, not everyone lives by. This contrast can be confusing to your child when he or she sees people treating each other badly, so what can you do to assure your child that treating people well is always the right thing to do?

Be a role model. You are your child’s first teacher, and the example you set will offer consistent guidance for his or her behavior for years to come. In fact, you may not realize how much your behavior influences your child’s, so be aware of the things you say and do regarding others. There may be times when you’ll have to explain why you were respectful even when it may not have been reciprocated. Consequently, if you do treat someone badly (we all get frustrated and slip from time to time), you should explain to your child why it happened, how you could have handled the situation better, and what you will do the next time.

Talk to your child. Your child may be the kindest soul you’ve ever met, but that doesn’t mean he or she won’t ever encounter situations in which it’s difficult to be nice to someone. For example, another child might be mean to him or her or your child might see someone else being mean to a classmate. Talk to your child about these kinds of situations just like you would talk about those you experienced above.

Make learning fun.Faith-based games are an effective learning tool because they actively engage the players and promote critical thinking and problem solving. Role playing is also a great way to help your child understand the importance of treating others well, so practice doing this in various situations. For a list of fun activities and readings based on the Golden Rule, visit BibleWise Kids’ Korner.